Philadelphia Phillies: 5 potential J.T. Realmuto suitors still out there
By David Esser
Los Angeles Angels
Another team that has a reputation of throwing around money in free agency, the LA Angels were repeatedly linked to Realmuto leading up to the offseason.
For the Angels, their starting staff is ultimately their biggest need at the moment. Their name has been tossed around a ton when it comes to Trevor Bauer’s landing spot, and they feel the most likely to overpay for the righty’s services. However, similar to the Yankees with LeMahieu, missing out on Bauer could see the Angels shift their attention back towards the offensive side of the ball.
LA already has a good middle-of-the-order trio in Trout, Rendon, and Ohtani, but Realmuto could take that lineup into “elite” status. Additionally, Realmuto is obviously one of the best defensive catchers in all of baseball. His presence would inherently improve the Angels’ pitching rotation.
Realmuto is also a very good game-caller, an underrated aspect when looking at how a catcher can affect a ball club.
Spearheaded by a new general manager, the Angels are fairly desperate to get Trout into the postseason on a more consistent basis. Ownership has given the front office the green light to spend in the past, and Realmuto would be another step in the right direction. Once again, the Philadelphia Phillies would really prefer *not* getting into a bidding war with a team like the Angels.